Whose Green Economy? Ours!
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Transcript of Whose Green Economy? Ours!
Whose Green Economy? Ours!
QUESTION: What happens when labor unions, community-building orgs and environmentalists around MA unite over a common agenda?
ANSWER: We build game-changing power!
Our Energy Systems: Making Us & the Planet Sick
Burning fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil degrades air and water quality, and causes severe heart and lung problems for many of us. Disproportionate burdens on EJ populations...
So It's Time to Get Green, Fast!!
2008 in MA: A win for the environment
Global Warming Solutions Act - Ambitious Climate Targets.
Green Communities Act - Bringing Energy Advances Home. New efficiency standards and potential for great green job creation.
BUT WHO BENEFITS?
Equity in the System
Inequity & Access Barriers
• Low-to-moderate income, communities of color, immigrants, non-English speakers, renters -- difficulty accessing programs
• Faced Many Barriers
• Preweatherization $$ - e.g. old wiring
• Upfront cost -- Just too much for people modest means!
• Language
• Trust - Need community partner
• Landlord/Tenant Issues
• AND - Are we tracking who is being served?
Some GJC Recommendations
Targeted (& Funded) Community Marketing, Mobilization
Tiered rebates -- different financial package for different income levels
Pre-Wx Funding: $ for knob and tube wiring and other issues re:old housing stock
Data: Track who is being served, esp. renters
Hang on a Sec -- How Do We Tell Our Story, Build Power?
• Public Education, Forums, Barnraisings
• Public Protest When Necessary
• Public Hearings
• Dialogue/direct meetings with contractors (Responsible Employer Ordinances, wages)
• Dialogue with state + utility officials
• Legislation + legislators
• Energy Docket: Department of Public Utilities
• Municipal Advocacy, Meetings, Programs
• Research + Reports!
• Art and Fun
• Don't Forget to Party
Make the Issue Public (Community Forums)
Build Multi-Sector, Geographic Diversity
Bring Public Voice to Public Hearings
Research: Facts, Stories, Delivery
Barnraising - Public Weatherization to Educate, Advocate, Celebrate
Legislation: File Bills as Organizing Tools
Back to the Calendar: 2009 - 3-year plan guarantees CMIs
Community Mobilization - Chelsea
CMIs Confirmed Barriers Exist
Trusted, Funded Outreach WORKED
Pre-weatherization + upfront cost still blocked access in many cases!
Landlord/Tenant Barrier
Slow growth on local job-creation
Ongoing data issue
We Need Data To Ensure Equity:GJC files legislation (2011)
Ongoing Advocacy - Data + Renters
New Municipal PartnersOngoing Advocacy - Municipal Voices
2012 - CMI celebration - Chinatown
2013 - Boston honors CPA/GJC for Energy Work (We're Still Partying!)
New 3-Year Plans + DPU Rulings
Efficient Neighborhoods+
Pre-Wx Funding - Statewide
Landlord Incentives
Residential Barriers Group
New reason to go public - celebrate wins, promote the program, call for data access!
2013 - After new 3 year plans, GJC partied again in Chelsea
Roadshow for Efficient Neigborhoods+